Injured biker dies in Cleveland National Forest

EAST COUNTY  Rescuers reached an injured mountain biker Thursday night in the Cleveland National Forest, but he died before he could be hoisted out of a canyon, authorities said.

A companion of the man used a cellphone to call 911 for help about 6:30 p.m., Cal Fire Capt. Michael Mohler said.

Cal Fire used the phone’s GPS tracking system to find the man in the Noble Canyon area, Mohler said. A sheriff’s helicopter was dispatched, along with a San Diego Fire-Rescue Department helicopter.

Rescuers performed CPR, but the man died at the scene, Mohler said. The nature of his injury was not disclosed.

According to the website MountainBikeBill.com, the Noble Canyon trail is narrow and difficult, with many rocks and tight switchbacks. The upper trailhead can be reached from Sunrise Highway, and the lower trailhead from the Pine Creek picnic area.